Dec 13, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard RJ Smith (5) and guard Julian Hammond III (3) celebrate a three point basket in the second half against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
No. 3 Iowa State (10-1) travels to Boulder, Colorado Monday night to take on the Colorado Buffaloes (9-2) in the Big 12 opener (8:00 p.m., CBSSN).
The Cyclones defeated Colorado 99-71 earlier in the season at the Maui
Invitational. Sophomore wing Milan Momcilovic led all scorers with 24 points, which included six triples. Iowa State finished with six players in double figures.
About Colorado
Colorado’s Julian Hammond III anchors the Buffaloes’ offense, averaging 13.1 points per game. In the first meeting in Maui, Hammond III scored 20 points on 6-11 shooting from the field. He’s supported by transfer center Elijah Malone (12.0 ppg and 4.0 rpg) and Andrej Jakimovski (11.2 ppg and 4.7 rpg).
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Division II transfer Trevor Baskin controls the boards, averaging 6.5 rebounds per game. He is the best offensive rebounders on the Colorado team.
The Buffaloes have developed a high-functioning offense, focusing on ball movement and efficient shot selection—a shift that has helped them remain unbeaten at home. As a team, they average 76.7 points per game.
Iowa State’s roster is loaded with talent, boasting six players averaging double-figures. Leading the way is senior guard Keshon Gilbert, who averages 16.5 points per game and has already earned two Big 12 Player of the Week honors this season. Gilbert’s ability to score and facilitate makes him the Cyclones’ go-to option.
Curtis Jones has been a reliable scoring option off the bench for the Cyclones, leading the team in field goals and three-pointers made. In the first meeting with the Buffaloes, Jones scored 19 points on 7-14 shooting and grabbed 6 rebounds.
On the interior, Dishon Jackson and Joshua Jefferson have provided a commanding presence in the paint. Jackson is averaging 11.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while leading the team in blocks with 13. Jefferson has earned multiple Big 12 Newcomer of the Week awards. He leads the team in rebounding with 8.4 a game while scoring 11.5 per game.
Rounding out Iowa State’s core is Tamin Lipsey, a Preseason All-Big 12 First
Team selection known for his defensive tenacity and leadership. Lipsey has had a slow start to the season but has really come on this past month. That is a great sign for TJ Otzelberger and Co. as Big 12 play starts to heat up.
Defensive Mindset for Road Success
Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger emphasized the importance of a strong defensive mentality as the team transitions into league play. The Cyclones will need that defensive edge against a Colorado team that has evolved since their first encounter. While the November matchup saw Iowa State dominate on both ends, the Cyclones will see a much different team than the one they say in Maui.
The November clash in Maui showcased Iowa State’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and dominate in transition. The Cyclones forced 18 Colorado turnovers, converting them into 37 points. Additionally, Iowa State’s half-court offense was nearly flawless, shooting 60.3% from the field and 44% from three-point range.
The Buffaloes’ ability to limit turnovers and control the boards will be critical if they hope to reverse their fortunes in Monday’s rematch.
A Storied Rivalry Renewed
Monday’s game marks the 150th all-time meeting between Iowa State and
Colorado. The Cyclones lead the all-time series 79-70, but the Buffaloes have
historically dominated in Boulder, holding a 48-17 advantage. Iowa State hasn’t won at the CU Events Center since 2005.
This game also serves as Colorado’s official reintroduction to Big 12 conference play. The Buffaloes were picked to finish 15th out of 16 teams in the preseason poll, but with their early-season results, they could wreck some havoc in the Big 12.
The Buffaloes have been very good at home, winning 11 straight games and 24 of their last 25 at the CU Events Center. Boyle has compiled a 201-40 home record during his 15-year tenure, making Boulder one of the most challenging venues in college basketball.
For Colorado, protecting the home court will require not only offensive execution but also improved defense against Iowa State’s potent scorers.
Keys to the game
Iowa State thrives on forcing turnovers and converting them into easy points. Colorado must prioritize ball security to avoid a repeat of November’s lopsided result.
Nationally, Iowa State is ranked No. 5 in KenPom and No. 8 in ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, highlighting the team’s balanced attack and defensive prowess. The Cyclones lead the Big 12 in forced turnovers (16.0 per game) and turnover margin (+6.5), a testament to their relentless defensive pressure.
- Rebounding: Both teams’ success on the boards will be pivotal. Iowa
State’s Jefferson and Jackson will look to dominate the paint, while
Colorado’s Baskin must hold his own. The Cyclones have struggled at times keeping teams off the offensive glass. That will need to be a point of
emphasize for TJ Otzelberger. - Perimeter Shooting: Iowa State has been very efficient on the offensive end so far this season. Momcilovic and Jones can stretch defenses with their ability to knock down threes.
- Tempo: The Cyclones excel in transition, but Colorado will aim to slow the game down and force Iowa State into a half-court battle. If Iowa State can create some turnovers and get out and run, this game could be a lot like the one we saw in Maui.
